Mary ’s Reviews > War and Peace > Status Update

Volume II, Part V is TEA

The OG Heated Rivalry: Napoleon kissing Tsar Alexander of Russia on a river raft and saying “If he were a woman, I would make him my mistress.”

I have to say I was not anticipating any LGBTQ representation in 1800s Russian literature, but so far we have had a sapphic romance, a gay crush, and now a transgender character.
Respect, Tolstoy.

Finished Book 1 (of 4)!!

Finished Part 2! I wasn’t as interested in this war section because I find the society gossip and drama more interesting than battlefield tactics. However, I did enjoy the brief glimpses into the psyche of the men in battle and their different coping strategies.

I have finished Part 1! Although it still looks like I’ve barely read anything ha…
I’m surprised by how much I’ve been enjoying this so far! It’s been really quite funny in some parts, and quite touching in other parts, as we explore daily life in Russian aristocracy. There’s a huge focus on all the intricacies of human emotions that I am finding fascinating!

Nobody told me that this book is actually hilarious.